For real.

I have been to playoff game in Nashville - it’s as close to a Trump/MAGA rally or perhaps a Jerry Springer show as I’ll ever get.

- Chief4Feathers

Should Nashville adapt Chicago/Illinois corrupt Democratic policies and become a sanctuary for illegals as well? STFU

Paul is a great dude - I've met him a couple of times. And he's done a great job as the PA announcer. He is probably about as honest as he can afford to be and still keep his gig. Remember when the Dennis K. Morgan (the anthem singer) complained to the local paper...it was the last anthem he ever sang in Bridgestone. And Paul has called them to task on occasion - but usually with a soft touch!

I'm of a firm belief that you can be honest, and fair, and hold people accountable, and not be a total jerk about it. That's what the blogger job SHOULD BE on HockeyBuzz.

But this team has some real issues - and someone needs to hold Poile accountable for being a GM who turned on the auto-pilot last offseason because his players said they wanted to keep the team together. If your team wasn't good enough to beat the Jets in 17/18, and you make no changes - how are you better positioned to beat them in 18/19? Doesn't make sense. I understand not totally revamping the team. But the Preds were exposed a bit in the playoffs last year. There are more than a few players, coaches and the GM who need to own their part in this disaster.

Paul is a great dude - I've met him a couple of times. And he's done a great job as the PA announcer. He is probably about as honest as he can afford to be and still keep his gig. Remember when the Dennis K. Morgan (the anthem singer) complained to the local paper...it was the last anthem he ever sang in Bridgestone. And Paul has called them to task on occasion - but usually with a soft touch!

I'm of a firm belief that you can be honest, and fair, and hold people accountable, and not be a total jerk about it. That's what the blogger job SHOULD BE on HockeyBuzz.

But this team has some real issues - and someone needs to hold Poile accountable for being a GM who turned on the auto-pilot last offseason because his players said they wanted to keep the team together. If your team wasn't good enough to beat the Jets in 17/18, and you make no changes - how are you better positioned to beat them in 18/19? Doesn't make sense. I understand not totally revamping the team. But the Preds were exposed a bit in the playoffs last year. There are more than a few players, coaches and the GM who need to own their part in this disaster.

And further to your point, the Blackhawk fan I responded to (scottak) was criticizing the division banner specifically. I wouln't have said anything had he criticized the artificial regular season conference banner that the Preds brought out. Maybe he doesn't realize that division banners for the regular season are a real thing.
- blueline

I do. However, they are not celebrated with a raising ceremony, as the Nashville President's Cup banner was. They just happen to be hanging there when the next season opens. It's the over the top ceremony that was foolish, not the hanging of the banner.

Paul is a great dude - I've met him a couple of times. And he's done a great job as the PA announcer. He is probably about as honest as he can afford to be and still keep his gig. Remember when the Dennis K. Morgan (the anthem singer) complained to the local paper...it was the last anthem he ever sang in Bridgestone. And Paul has called them to task on occasion - but usually with a soft touch!

I'm of a firm belief that you can be honest, and fair, and hold people accountable, and not be a total jerk about it. That's what the blogger job SHOULD BE on HockeyBuzz.

But this team has some real issues - and someone needs to hold Poile accountable for being a GM who turned on the auto-pilot last offseason because his players said they wanted to keep the team together. If your team wasn't good enough to beat the Jets in 17/18, and you make no changes - how are you better positioned to beat them in 18/19? Doesn't make sense. I understand not totally revamping the team. But the Preds were exposed a bit in the playoffs last year. There are more than a few players, coaches and the GM who need to own their part in this disaster.
- holycow_75

I'm sure he is a nice guy, but he lost me when he started criticizing the fans for having the audacity to question the team. How dare we criticize the league's worst power play, or question the validity of our "elite" defense corps narrative. You want accountability from the coaches? Sacrilege! Lavy's won a cup for god sake!

We're just whining. It'll be fine, they'll work it out. Nothing to see here, folks.
Yada yada yada...

Lotta angry and salty folks here. Some of you need a hug, bring it in bruh

I do. However, they are not celebrated with a raising ceremony, as the Nashville President's Cup banner was. They just happen to be hanging there when the next season opens. It's the over the top ceremony that was foolish, not the hanging of the banner.
- scottak

The Preds have plenty of cringeworthy things, like the "you suck" chant, the banner raising (other teams do the regular season champs thing but it really is dumb), etc. The fang fingers is the dumbest. From day one that was just plain stupid. In some ways I think these have taken on a life of itself with a lot of the bandwagon fans since the cup run.

Paul is a great dude - I've met him a couple of times. And he's done a great job as the PA announcer. He is probably about as honest as he can afford to be and still keep his gig. Remember when the Dennis K. Morgan (the anthem singer) complained to the local paper...it was the last anthem he ever sang in Bridgestone. And Paul has called them to task on occasion - but usually with a soft touch!

I'm of a firm belief that you can be honest, and fair, and hold people accountable, and not be a total jerk about it. That's what the blogger job SHOULD BE on HockeyBuzz.

But this team has some real issues - and someone needs to hold Poile accountable for being a GM who turned on the auto-pilot last offseason because his players said they wanted to keep the team together. If your team wasn't good enough to beat the Jets in 17/18, and you make no changes - how are you better positioned to beat them in 18/19? Doesn't make sense. I understand not totally revamping the team. But the Preds were exposed a bit in the playoffs last year. There are more than a few players, coaches and the GM who need to own their part in this disaster.
- holycow_75

Agree on what you said about Paul. The comments criticizing him are so far off the mark as to be ridiculous. And yes, what he does on HB matches exactly what he was asked to do 15 or more years ago when Ek asked him to write for the Preds. Peanut gallery comments from newbies are always hilarious.

I think people forget that in addition to blogging here from the beginning of HB and being the long-time Preds PA (which requires time-consuming pre-game prep), Paul also has a weekly Preds radio show on 102.5 (with a good lineup of quality NHL guests) and he does the majority of voice for Preds radio and TV promos and spots. Oh, and for the other poster who said he'd blog here but doesn't have the time, Paul also has a full-time day job that has nothing to do with the Preds or hockey. And hockey knowledge? Well let's see, he grew up and spent his life in Philly as a die hard Flyers fan before moving to Nashville to take up his current positions.

Complainers are everywhere. Doers are scant.

Paul is a great dude - I've met him a couple of times. And he's done a great job as the PA announcer. He is probably about as honest as he can afford to be and still keep his gig. Remember when the Dennis K. Morgan (the anthem singer) complained to the local paper...it was the last anthem he ever sang in Bridgestone. And Paul has called them to task on occasion - but usually with a soft touch!

I'm of a firm belief that you can be honest, and fair, and hold people accountable, and not be a total jerk about it. That's what the blogger job SHOULD BE on HockeyBuzz.

But this team has some real issues - and someone needs to hold Poile accountable for being a GM who turned on the auto-pilot last offseason because his players said they wanted to keep the team together. If your team wasn't good enough to beat the Jets in 17/18, and you make no changes - how are you better positioned to beat them in 18/19? Doesn't make sense. I understand not totally revamping the team. But the Preds were exposed a bit in the playoffs last year. There are more than a few players, coaches and the GM who need to own their part in this disaster.
- holycow_75

There's certainly a lot of blame to go around. Lavy likes to run his offensive system, and clearly the Preds no longer had the personnel to run it effectively. Is that the GM's fault for not providing the coach with the right kind of players to run that system, or is it the coaches for not adjusting his style to the skill sets of the players on his roster? There's no doubt that Poile's last two major moves have been complete duds. (Turris and the Ellis singing) I'm not going to criticize the trade deadline moves, because they didn't give up all that much regardless of how well those acquisitions preformed. This team doesn't need to be blown up, but it needs to be retooled... There's not enough skill up front, and they're too undersized. They get pushed around too easily by bigger more defensive minded teams. I'm sure that was some of the thought process in getting Simmonds and Boyle, but again, it's two guys that don't skate well enough to fit with what Lavy wants to do on offense.

Lotta angry and salty folks here. Some of you need a hug, bring it in bruh
- FinnGod

Beat Washington tomorrow and that'll help.

I do. However, they are not celebrated with a raising ceremony, as the Nashville President's Cup banner was. They just happen to be hanging there when the next season opens. It's the over the top ceremony that was foolish, not the hanging of the banner.
- scottak

Ok but are you trying to tell me that the 'Hawks have never raised a banner outside of those for the SC? Prior to 2010 that would have been a lot of empty banner raising years. I don't know and haven't the time to research it but you won the Presidents' Trophy in 90/91 and nothing else. I bet they raised the banner in a Madhouse ceremony for that accomplishment.

It's unknown but I would also assume that had the 'Hawks not won the SC in 09/10, they would have still raised the banner for winning the division at next season's home opener. Likewise in the lockout shortened 12/13 season when your team won the Presidents' trophy. Had you not also won the SC that year I would imagine that the team would have had a banner raising ceremony for that too and why not? It's not a big deal either way but those are accomplishments and also part of official NHL record keeping.

We all know that the SC is the only thing that really counts in the end but in this day of 31 team parity (soon to be 32) and 82-game regular seasons, Division & Presidents' champions are still significant accomplishments.

The Preds have plenty of cringeworthy things, like the "you suck" chant, the banner raising (other teams do the regular season champs thing but it really is dumb), etc. The fang fingers is the dumbest. From day one that was just plain stupid. In some ways I think these have taken on a life of itself with a lot of the bandwagon fans since the cup run.
- FoxMulder

The fang fingers are silly, to be sure, but they're mostly for little kids and don't bother me too much. If half the arena was adults waving fang fingers I'd be appalled but if kids like it and if it helps eventually bring them into loving the game then so be it. In any event, one sees very, very few of the foam fingers anymore.

I remember the very first days of the Preds when they had the frosty mouth licking animation on the miniature-o-tron we had those days to indicate icing. It was one of the tools employed to teach the game to new fans who knew little outside of the fact that they were having a lot of fun watching a fast game unfold in front of them.

Beat Washington tomorrow and that'll help.
- Squatchy

It’s a known fact that if you’re cheering for the Caps in that series you are in fact a tool, and you probably actually respect Tom Wilson. It’s been proven by science. If you know of someone or a loved one who falls under said category, get them tested. Stay in school, knowledge is power.

Appreciate the Canes support. Go Canes Go ❤️

Should Nashville adapt Chicago/Illinois corrupt Democratic policies and become a sanctuary for illegals as well? STFU
- PatShart

Go suck a bag of richards.

There's certainly a lot of blame to go around. Lavy likes to run his offensive system, and clearly the Preds no longer had the personnel to run it effectively. Is that the GM's fault for not providing the coach with the right kind of players to run that system, or is it the coaches for not adjusting his style to the skill sets of the players on his roster? There's no doubt that Poile's last two major moves have been complete duds. (Turris and the Ellis singing) I'm not going to criticize the trade deadline moves, because they didn't give up all that much regardless of how well those acquisitions preformed. This team doesn't need to be blown up, but it needs to be retooled... There's not enough skill up front, and they're too undersized. They get pushed around too easily by bigger more defensive minded teams. I'm sure that was some of the thought process in getting Simmonds and Boyle, but again, it's two guys that don't skate well enough to fit with what Lavy wants to do on offense.
- Squatchy

Watching each game, I was surprised by how the Preds defense struggled with the forecheck of the Seguin, Benn and Radulov line. Benn and Radulov in particular were really giving them fits in their own zone. Those two are big wingers, so the physical play is to be expected, but the Preds had more problems with breaking their cycle and exiting the zone than I imagined they would.

Watching each game, I was surprised by how the Preds defense struggled with the forecheck of the Seguin, Benn and Radulov line. Benn and Radulov in particular were really giving them fits in their own zone. Those two are big wingers, so the physical play is to be expected, but the Preds had more problems with breaking their cycle and exiting the zone than I imagined they would.
- Chief4Feathers

That was a problem all season especially against heavier teams. That's why teams like Winnipeg, Vegas, and St. Louis would just steamroll over us, while the Preds actually fared better against Eastern Conference teams like Pitt, Toronto, and even Tampa who were similarly built size wise and couldn't push them around as easily. Too many undersized D-men and forwards who couldn't win puck battles or get position on those larger skilled Dallas forwards.

That was a problem all season especially against heavier teams. That's why teams like Winnipeg, Vegas, and St. Louis would just steamroll over us, while the Preds actually fared better against Eastern Conference teams like Pitt, Toronto, and even Tampa who were similarly built size wise and couldn't push them around as easily. Too many undersized D-men and forwards who couldn't win puck battles or get position on those larger skilled Dallas forwards.
- Squatchy

These playoffs seem to illustrate that regardless of whether you have a big/heavy roster (e.g. WPG) or a smaller, speed/skill roster (e.g. TBY) an opposing team aggressively executing a defensive-oriented system (neutral zone trap, dump and chase) can overcome those disadvantages. We hear so much about speed and skill being the cornerstone on the “new” NHL - but it’s still a team sport - and strategies/schemes still seem to have an important role.

There's certainly a lot of blame to go around. Lavy likes to run his offensive system, and clearly the Preds no longer had the personnel to run it effectively. Is that the GM's fault for not providing the coach with the right kind of players to run that system, or is it the coaches for not adjusting his style to the skill sets of the players on his roster? There's no doubt that Poile's last two major moves have been complete duds. (Turris and the Ellis singing) I'm not going to criticize the trade deadline moves, because they didn't give up all that much regardless of how well those acquisitions preformed. This team doesn't need to be blown up, but it needs to be retooled... There's not enough skill up front, and they're too undersized. They get pushed around too easily by bigger more defensive minded teams. I'm sure that was some of the thought process in getting Simmonds and Boyle, but again, it's two guys that don't skate well enough to fit with what Lavy wants to do on offense.
- Squatchy

I had a measure of sympathy for Turris given how Arizona mangled his development by rushing him into the show way too soon. But he’s had the chance to prove himself after being given a change of scenery twice now - and yet he still hasn’t been able to come close to his draft billing.

Hoping for Caps/Blues - if Caps lose, Leafs/Blues.
- LoudounCapsFan

canes in 4

Among other things, they don't sell tickets to Blackhawk games in Nashville to people with Chicago area zip codes.

And their fans think a sing-song chant after a Preds goal will 'unnerve' the opposing goalie.

And they supported the Confederacy.
- scottak

so did Canada

Go suck a bag of richards.
- Chief4Feathers

Nope. But I understand the truth hurts, snowflake

Nope. But I understand the truth hurts, snowflake
- PatShart

It would hurt if the truth were that I was a banner waiver for the Chicago/Illinois political system that you tried to label me as in your original post. However, I’m not - it’s a corrupt patronage cesspool.

So again, go suck a bag of richards.

So again, go suck a bag of richards.
- Chief4Feathers

Come out of the closet buddy. We'll accept you

EVERYBODY JUST CALM DOWN

Y'all still crying tears in your beer's
The next best thing to watching the Hawks win the Stanley Cup is watching Trashville face plant in the playoffs.